The "Mariana" is a cute little hotel, nestled in amongst the bigger resort hotels on the beach in Mazatlan, Mexico. The Mariana, formerly called "The Bugambilias" is one of the original hotels along what is now known as the Golden Zone. Built by hand with brickwork and arches, the Mariana heralds back to an earlier time. She is not a fancy hotel or luxurious in any way....but she is charming and rustic in her simplicity. Staying at the Mariana is truly a more "Mexican experience". (If you can read between the lines, you know that means the plumbing is unreliable and the bedcovers are dried on the line on the rooftop. Makes them smell good!)

Being a smaller hotel, the Mariana has 17 rooms, 12 of them with kitchens. It is spread out over three floors. On the main level is our large patio. It is partially shaded, with tables and chairs nestled into our "jungle" of plants. It is magical in the evening when the breeze is warm, the "cerveza" is cold and the bar-b-que is wafting delicious odors of 'carne'. There is also a bookcase filled with books and games for everyone to use and enjoy.

We have a smaller patio on the second floor and two small balconies at the front of the building overlooking the street. Many guests put chairs out there to watch the busy night life and entertainment that happens in front of the hotel. We have flame throwers and dancers that show up most nights between 8-9, and Gus-Gus Restaurant has live music that is always fun to catch.

Then we also have the roof top which overlooks the ocean. It is set up complete with tables and chairs, lounging areas and hammocks. There is a bar-b-que to cook your day's catch on, or you can lay in the sun or shade. We all love to sit up there and catch the sunsets.

If you prefer to sunbathe on the beach and swim in the ocean, then just walk out the side entrance of the hotel and you are 15 meters from a gorgeous strip of sandy beach. We have a lending cupboard for our guests to enjoy with coolers, blankets, umbrellas and toys for those that want to enjoy a beach day.

The Mariana is surrounded by many great restaurants, night clubs and places to shop for treasures. The bus stops right in front of our door for those that wish to venture farther.

Alfredo and I took over the Mariana Beach Apartments and Hotel in May of 2009, along with our co-hosts and partners in this insanity, Bob and Mary Huxley. With a lot of help from great staff, handy friends and supportive family we have been slowly giving the old girl a face-lift and she has in return...become our home.

We invite you to come join us. This is our Mexican home. We hope it will be yours' too.